Mitchell Woodcock: A Fresh Take on Annie
Interview by Chris Duncan
With an impressive career spanning musical theatre, television, music tours, and live entertainment, Mitchell Woodcock has become one of Australia’s most sought-after choreographers. From working with global music icons like Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora, and Adam Lambert to creating large-scale performances for The Voice, the FIFA World Cup, and the NRL Grand Final, his versatility and creative vision know no bounds.
Now, Mitchell is turning his attention to one of the most beloved musicals of all time—Annie—which opens at the Capitol Theatre in March. Tasked with infusing fresh energy into this timeless production, he has brought his signature style to the show while respecting its nostalgic roots.
So, what can audiences expect from this reimagined Annie? And how has Mitchell’s extensive experience across entertainment mediums shaped his approach? We caught up with him to find out.
Bringing New Energy to a Classic
For Mitchell, Annie was an irresistible project—not just because of its heartwarming story but because of its iconic score and dance numbers.
“The opportunity to craft production numbers for songs like ‘Easy Street’ and ‘Hard Knock Life’ was too good to pass up,” Mitchell says. “I’ve kept the storyline at the heart of every step while drawing inspiration from the era’s signature shapes and textures. But I’ve also infused them with fresh musicality and a more athletic, dynamic approach.”
Striking a balance between nostalgia and innovation is a delicate art, especially when working with a show that has been beloved for generations. Mitchell has ensured that the classic elements of Annie remain intact while breathing new life into its movement vocabulary. 
“I’m most excited for audiences to experience this dynamic revival, which preserves the classic lines and style of the original while incorporating more athletic choreography,” he explains. “Annie truly feels like two shows in one—showcasing the incredible talent and energy of our orphan cast alongside the skill and sophistication of the adult ensemble.”
From Stage to Screen and Back Again
Mitchell’s choreography career spans multiple entertainment formats, each requiring a unique creative approach. From the narrative-driven movement of musical theatre to the high-energy spectacle of stadium performances and television, he has mastered the art of adaptation.
“What I love most about choreographing for musical theatre is how the script and score drive every movement and blocking choice,” he shares. “In contrast, working on music acts and large-scale events is more of a visual spectacle, where the musical narrative itself becomes my main source of inspiration.”
This deep understanding of movement as storytelling is what makes Mitchell’s work stand out—whether he’s crafting choreography for a hit TV show, a pop star’s arena tour, or a Broadway classic.
A Creative Mind Behind the Scenes
Mitchell’s artistic influence goes beyond choreography—he is also a Creative Director, shaping entire performances through concept, styling, set design, and lighting. His production company, New Ground Collective, allows him to work across multiple projects simultaneously, collaborating with artists and brands in exciting new ways.
“What excites me most is that every project is different—no two days are the same,” he says. “One day I could be working on a scene for Heartbreak High on Netflix, and the next, I’m calling a fashion show for Tiffany & Co.”
It’s this versatility that has kept Mitchell consistently in demand, and he encourages aspiring choreographers and performers to develop a broad skill set to increase their opportunities.
“One thing that has allowed me to continuously work is my adaptability,” he advises. “My advice to young performers is to be a sponge—absorb as many styles and skills as possible. The more adaptable you are, the more doors will open.”
The Future of Australian Dance & Theatre
As someone who has spent 15 years in the industry, Mitchell has witnessed the shifting landscape of dance and theatre in Australia. While there is an abundance of emerging talent, he acknowledges the challenges performers face when it comes to finding opportunities locally.
“Lately, I’ve noticed more artists looking abroad for work due to the limited performance opportunities in Australia’s commercial scene,” he observes. “I hope that in the coming years, more opportunities arise for performers and creatives to develop new projects across events, television, and film.”
Despite these challenges, Mitchell is committed to fostering new creative spaces and platforms for Australian artists. His Co-Lab Quarters studio in Newtown is one such initiative, providing a collaborative environment for creatives across multiple disciplines.
What’s Next for Mitchell?
With Annie opening soon and his recent work on Australian Idol, Mitchell is already looking ahead to his next projects.
“After wrapping up Annie and Idol, I’m excited to be working on the next phase of Co-Lab Quarters before heading overseas for a new venture,” he teases.
Wherever his next steps take him, one thing is certain—Mitchell Woodcock’s influence on the dance and entertainment industry is only just beginning.
Catch Mitchell’s choreography in Annie, opening at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney this March.
Sydney Tickets: anniemusical.com.au/tickets/sydney
Melbourne Tickets: anniemusical.com.au/tickets/melbourne
